Need new body in screw mount...

[leica M2 fan]

I've been thinking for a few days about a new body to use as a screw mount body for LTM lenses. I now have a Canon 7s which does a super job but I would like something with an up to date VF like the Bessa R. A meter would be an asset also - those two items would pretty much obviate a Leica and I prefer for a direct screw mount rather than fiddle with an adapter since I already have he Leica M2. Any thoughts or ideas would be welcome, TIA.

 

[payasam]

The only camera that meets the bill is the Bessa R. Just what is it about the V/F of the Canon 7s that you don't like?

 

[leica M2 fan]

Payasam

Payasam

The only camera that meets the bill is the Bessa R. Just what is it about the V/F of the Canon 7s that you don't like?

I really like the camera itself and I use it more than anything else but the viewfinder is not as bright as the M2's and shooting into the sun the patch is almost not visible at all.

 

[Steve M.]

If you have an M2, you're not going to like a Bessa R. It has a meter, it's cheap, and it acts like it's cheap. The shutter noise drives me nuts and it's really a plastic toy. Oh, I know, it has it's fan base. But precision and Bessa are two words you'll never hear in the same sentence.

Not sure why you don't want to "fiddle" w/ an adapter. You simply screw it on the lens and twist it into the camera like any M lens. Only takes a few seconds to install it. If you want a meter and you want a good camera, get an M6 and be done w/ it. Or a Hexar RF or Zeiss Ikon. Them's your choices.

 

[leica M2 fan]

Thanks for your input I value it.

Thanks for your input I value it.

Not sure why you don't want to "fiddle" w/ an adapter. You simply screw it on the lens and twist it into the camera like any M lens. Only takes a few seconds to install it. If you want a meter and you want a good camera, get an M6 and be done w/ it. Or a Hexar RF or Zeiss Ikon. Them's your choices.[/QUOTE]

I've used my CV lenses (all are LTM) on the Leica and I can't seem to get along with using the adapter. I also had trouble with the fast lenses and getting sharp images with the Leica so I just use those on the 7s. If I leave the adapter on, the next lens I want to use is invariably and M mount! It is very frustrating for me. I know I could work around this and be just as happy but...

 

[photobizzz]

Instead of "fiddling" with an adapter just buy enough of them with M caps to fit all your screw mount lenses and be done with it. Definitely cheaper than buying a new camera. The eBay seller "fotodiox" has a set of 3 adapters for $45 (just bought a set today) and they are good quality. Maybe not a great as a Leitz or CV adapter but not crooked or anything that would affect their use. I have a 28/90 one from them for my Jupiter-9 (85/2) and it works great.

 

[Bingley]

Tony, if the Canon 7s vf is not bright enough, I think you're left w/ the Bessa R. I had one for awhile and quite liked it, apart from the loud shutter. The meter was good, and the vf was terrific (and I never had a problem w/ the rf patch going out of alignment, unlike my R3A). If you're talking LTM body, I don't think any rf camera has as bright a vf as the R.

That said, I think photobizz has a point: you could buy a bunch of Leica adapters for less than the cost of a new camera. That's pretty much what I've done, b/c most of the lenses I've got at present are LTM, whereas the camera bodies I use the most are an M-mount.

 

[payasam]

I've used both screw and bayonet, and I think the bayonet is far easier to handle. Like Steve, I've had almost exclusively screw lenses to use with M bodies. Each has had an M adapter ring screwed on tight enough to prevent it from coming unscrewed.

Your focussing trouble can probably be set right by having the Leica's R/F adjusted correctly.

 

[paulfish4570]

well, i like my newly acquired bessa r. and i've had an m3, so i know what i'm missing, but i am happy with what i've got. wow, what a viewfinder/rangefinder ...

 

[leica M2 fan]

Thanks to all for your input. I'm going to try the extra adapters for the LTM lenses for now and see how that works and then go from there. Thanks again. I will check back here from time to time and see if there are any new posts or update my ideas.

 

[payasam]

You cannot go wrong with adapters made by Leitz. So far as I know, those made by Cosina/Voigtlander are also free of defects. People who have used inexpensive China-made ones had had mixed experiences. I understand that the ones sold by Fotodiox are good: though I have not used them. I have two which I bought from www.fedka.com, and they are entirely satisfactory.